Palawan Hornbill and Philippine Cockatoo

[Sylvia Ramos]

Hi! Tonji and I just got back from a 5-day birding trip to Palawan with birdnut Carmela B plus other WBCP members. Our group was led by Palawan-based bird guide Rommel Cruz. It was a fast-paced tour since we were trying to see as many birds as possible. We went to Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park, the mangrove, Lion's Cave, Crocodile Farm, Irawan Watershed, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, and Narra. The amazing thing was, we actually DID see a lot of birds! Rommel is an excellent guide! He doesn't use playback since their group doesn't allow it in Palawan.

These are the two birds I most-wanted to see and photograph during this trip:

PALAWAN HORNBILL
Anthracoceros marchei

We kept looking for this bird when we were in Puerto Princesa back 2009, but just saw it briefly. This time, I was so amazed and happy to many of them!

1/400, f7.1, iso 2000, on a tripod

PHILIPPINE COCKATOO
Cacatua haematuropygia

This is the male. He has dark brown eyes.

1/800, f8, iso 1000, handheld

The female has blood-red eyes.

1/2500, f8, iso 1000, handheld

Look at that crest!

1/640, f8, iso 1000, handheld

My gear: Canon 5DMark3 + 300 2.8 + 1.4 tc

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Very nice captures, Sylvia! I am feeling the craving to return to Palawan!

[Sylvia Ramos]

Thanks Ramon! The weather was ok when were there. It would rain during our lunch breaks, then clear up again.

[tina mallari]

These 2 birds were on my list of need to see birds when we were in Palawan 2 years ago, or was it 3 years ago. Rommel was our guide too but we were not able to see both birds. Hopefully on our next visit, we will be as blessed as you guys were.

Not only were you able to see both must see birds but you were able to take even fantastic photos of them. Way to go Sylvia !!!!

[Ely Teehankee]

These are the kind of pictures that will bring a smile to anyone who sees them. Well done Sylvia & Mabuhay.

[Eric Patdu]

Wow! Four Palawan hornbills in one shot and a pair of Philippine Cockatoo. That should have made your trip. Congrats on these wonderful photos Sylvia.

[Tateo Osawa]

All nice shots Sylvia. I like the last photo very much.

[William Lim]

Great captures, Sylvia.

[Sylvia Ramos]

Thank you Tina, Eric, Tateo, and William!
I was out of town, couldn't reply because I forgot my password. Hehe.
It was really great seeing those birds. They really made my trip! Hope you get them Tina!

[Toto Gamboa]

Look at those amazing shots! The hornbills got me!

[Tirso Paris]

Beautiful captures Sylvia. Congrats.

[Edwin Matias]

Sylvia,
Great Series, are palawan hornbills almost looked the same as the oriental pied hornbills?

Thumbs Up

Regards,
Edwin

[gabriel buluran]

congrats sylvia! i love the 4 palawan hornbills. i hope to visit palawan soon.

[Bob Kaufman]

Wow, so fortunate to see these uncommon birds and to be able to take fabulous photos of them…that's a double WOW!